Lierderholthuis,
the smallest village in the Raalte muncipality, dates back to a single
house and a barn. In the late 17th century this barn became an
improvised Jesuite church, serving the increasing
catholic population in the region of Raalte and Heino. This barn church
served until it was replaced by a real church in 1863, designed by
architect H.J. Wennekers. Wennekers is a representant of the second
phase of neo-Gothic architecture, attempting more or less successfully
to copy Gothic structures while still using neo-Classical methods and
details, such as the wood and plaster vaults.
Although Wennekers was a productive architect, the St. Nicolaas is one
of only a handful of his surviving churches. It's a one-aisled building
with little outside variation. At both sides of the western trave are
confessionals, while at the south east side is a sacristy, which was
added in 1866. That same year the tower was built. In 1938 the exterior
was covered with another layer of bricks, in an attempt to protect it
from moisture.